Friday's action:
(All kick-off's SA time)

Blues v Reds (Auckland) – 09:35
Odds: Blues 4/10 Reds 2/1

Although they lost last week one feels that the Blues will be feeling a little more upbeat after their close loss. Although they now have no chance of reaching the playoffs they have a lot of pride to play for. The Reds have been bolstered by the return of their star winger, Digby Ioane but it remains to see what an impact he can make after such a long lay-off! The Reds defense has been woeful and the Blues should score a few nice tries through Ranger and Co. It is recommended in the Sport24 multiple of the week to take Blues -6.5.
Prediction: Blues by 10

Lions v Brumbies (Johannesburg) – 19:10
Odds: Lions 27/20 Brumbies 13/20

The Lions should be well rested after their not so well earned week off, courtesy of the bye. The Brumbies held their own in parts against the Bulls last week but it remains to be seen whether the Bulls slacked off, or the Brumbies played great rugby! If the Lions are serious about earning a well needed win they will have to start off better than they have in previous weeks. They have proved unsuccessful in having to come from behind to win. Should the Lions start off better they ought to win the game, but due to their track record the Sport24 multiple of the week includes a Brumbies try as the first scoring play!
Prediction: Brumbies win by 4

Saturday's action:
(All kick-off's SA time)

Chiefs v Hurricanes (Hamilton) – 09:35
Odds: Chiefs 7/20 Hurricanes 23/10

These two sides experienced contrasting results last week. The Chiefs had an impressive away victory against the Sharks, and the Hurricanes got thumped against the Crusaders. Although this is a Derby game, the Chiefs are well-deserved comprehensive favorites for this clash despite having to travel back from South Africa. The Hurricanes still have some injuries to be concerned about and many don’t give them a hope in this game. We are of the same opinion and Chiefs should be able to win this game by 8 points or more. The Sport24 multiple of the week contains Chiefs -7.5.
Prediction: Chiefs by 10

Force v Stormers (Perth) – 11:40
Odds: Force 2/1 Stormers 1/5

Just about the only positive for the Force is the fact that they are coming off a bye and should be well rested. From the other point of view their coach Richard Graham has recently been sacked, and they have failed to beat a non-Australian side this year. The Stormers have issues themselves with so many injuries. What makes things worse is they have all happened at once, so there are many new combinations that are yet to be tried and tested. The Stormers have had a very successful overseas trip but one slip up here and a lot of their hard done work will be undone. Despite all these concerns, the Stormers should be too good for the Force and win this fairly comfortably! The Sport24 multiple of the week comprises of a Stormers win.
Prediction: Stormers by 8

Cheetahs v Highlanders (Bloemfontein) – 17:05
Odds: Cheetahs 4/5 Highlanders 21/20

The Cheetahs are yet to beat the Highlanders since they were reintroduced to Super Rugby in 2006. Although this is the case the Cheetahs side this year is a different side. They have scored the most incredible tries this year and there are also signs that their defense is improving. The Highlanders have been involved in many a close game this year and have somehow managed to scrape victories out of the majority of them! This could go down to the wire but because the Highlanders have shown they know how to win the close ones it is recommended to take them for the win in the Sport24 multiple of the week.
Prediction: Highlanders by 3

Sunday's action:
(All kick-off's SA time)

Waratahs v Crusaders (Sydney) – 07:10
Waratahs 23/10 Crusaders 7/20

The Crusaders have won their last 9 games in a row against the Waratahs and no one expects this to end this weekend. The Waratahs have not had a good week with two injuries and the banning of Rob Horne for two weeks. The Crusaders have started to build some serious momentum in this campaign. The Crusaders lightning backs and tough, physical forwards should be far too much for the Sydney based side who have been very average this year. The Waratahs have the talent to cause an upset but always seem to play well below their potential. With their poor record to boot, don’t expect any other result than a Crusaders win!
Prediction: Crusaders by 14

Byes: Bulls, Sharks and Rebels.


http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/Super...ek-10-20120426